Darts: Martyn Turner out of PDC tour (From York Press)

Darts: Martyn Turner out of PDC tour

10:45am Tuesday 24th January 2012 in Darts

YORK’S Martyn Turner has failed to retain his place on the PDC tour for 2012, writes Dave Flett.

The Ainsty arrows ace was unsuccessful during four days of qualifying school tournaments at the Barnsley Metrodome.

Players were required to win the sixth round of any of the quartet of competitions in South Yorkshire to win a tour card but Turner’s bid came to an end at the third stage on three separate occasions.

Other casualties included three-time World Championship finalist and former Premier League favourite Peter Manley and former World Masters winner Colin Monk.

Like Turner they can now only participate in non-UK Players Championships and qualifiers for the World Championship, UK Open and European Tour events. Acomb’s Chris Thompson was already guaranteed his place on the tour due to being among the top 64 players on the PDC’s Order of Merit.

Terry Temple, from Whitwell-on-the-Hill, also won his card, prior to qualifying school, due to his performances during the 2011 campaign.

On the first day of qualifying school, Turner lost 6-3 to Campbell Jackson in the first round.

He followed that up on day two with victories over Paul Hodkin (6-0) and Dave Ladley (6-2) before bowing out 6-3 to Michael Barnard, who went on to earn his card.

On day three. Turner beat Terry Rose (6-5) and Darren Webster (6-4) but went down 6-4 to Ross Smith – another eventual qualifier.

Having been given a first round bye on the final day, Turner then overcame Matthew Tedstone 6-2 only to lose 6-1 against Darren Johnson in his next match.